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Abstract:

There is provided a multi-joint cable protection and guide device that
fits well with a flexible belt member in a flexed posture, that steadily
protects and smoothly guides cables that assume the flexed posture, that
requires fewer parts and that may be readily connected and disconnected
corresponding as desired according to usage. The multi-joint supporting
member has the flexible belt member in which cable inserting tubular
portions are unitarily molded in parallel and a train comprising a
plurality of block bodies flexibly connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fittings. The train of block bodies is inserted
through the cable inserting tubular portions to control and support
straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member and each block
body has a flexion outer peripheral-side curved surface whose curvature
is equal to a radius of a flexed circular arc in the flexed posture.

Claims:

1. A multi joint cable protection and guide device, comprising: a
flexible belt member, said flexible belt member includes a plurality of
cable inserting tubular portions, and said plurality of cable inserting
tubular portions are unitarily molded in parallel; and a plurality of
block bodies flexibly and articulately connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fittings; said plurality of block bodies flexibly
connected with each other forming a train of block bodies; each of said
plurality of block bodies forming said train of block bodies are flexibly
and articulately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction
enabling said block bodies to form a flexional circumferential bend
having a flexional inner circumferential side and flexional outer
circumferential side; each of said block bodies includes a flexional
inner circumferential side residing during bending on said flexional
inner circumferential side of said bend; each of said block bodies
includes a flexional outer circumferential side having a curved surface
residing during bending on said flexional outer circumferential side of
said bend; and, said train of block bodies being inserted through at
least one of said plurality of cable inserting tubular portions to
control and support straight and flexed postures of said flexible belt
member.

2. A multi-joint cable protection and guide device, according to claim 1,
wherein each of said block bodies includes connecting pins at front
portions thereof and each of said block bodies includes connecting pin
holes at rear portions thereof and said block bodies are flexibly
connected with each other by concave-convex snap-fittings, said
connecting pin of one of said block bodies snapping into said connecting
pin hole of an adjacent block body.

3. A multi-joint cable protection and guide device, according to claim 1,
wherein each of said block bodies includes tapered cut-away fitting
portions at the rear portions thereof to enable concave-convex
snap-fitting said connecting pins at the front side portions thereof into
said connecting pin holes at the rear portion of the next adjacent block
body.

4. A multi-joint cable protection and guide device, according to claim 1,
wherein each of said block bodies includes: straight posture holding
surfaces for keeping said block bodies in straight posture; and, flexed
posture holding surfaces for keeping said block bodies in the flexed
posture.

5. A multi-joint cable protection and guide device, according to claim 1,
wherein each of said block bodies is molded from a synthetic resin
material.

6. A multi joint cable protection and guide device, according to claim 1,
wherein each of said block bodies is formed into a rectangular shape in
which four corners are chamfered along the longitudinal direction.

7. A multi-joint cable protection and guide device, comprising: a
flexible belt member, said flexible belt member includes a plurality of
cable inserting tubular portions, and, said plurality of cable inserting
tubular portions are unitarily molded in parallel; and a plurality of
block bodies flexibly and articulately connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fittings; said plurality of block bodies flexibly
connected with each other forming a train of block bodies; each of said
plurality of block bodies forming said train of block bodies are flexibly
and articulately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction
enabling said block bodies to form a flexional circumferential bend
having a flexional inner circumferential side and a flexional outer
circumferential side; each of said block bodies includes a flexional
inner circumferential side residing during bending on said flexional
inner circumferential side of said bend; each of said block bodies
includes a flexional outer circumferential side, said flexional outer
circumferential side includes a curved surface, and, each of said curved
surfaces of each of said block bodies residing during bending on said
outer flexional circumferential side of said bend; each of said curved
surfaces of said flexional outer circumferential side of said block
bodies has a radius of curvature; and, said train of block bodies is
inserted into said cable inserting tubular portions to control and
support straight and flexed postures of said flexible belt member.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the foreign priority benefit under Title
35, United States Code, §119 (a)-(d) of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2010-085693, filed on Apr. 2, 2010 in the Japan Patent Office, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a multi-joint cable protection and
guide device for protecting and guiding flexible cables and hoses. The
flexible cable may be an electrical cable or an optical fiber cable. The
flexible hose may be a fluid supplying hose. The cables and hoses may be
used in working machines, electronic devices, industrial robots, and
transportation equipment. The cables and hoses supply electricity, fluid,
and air machines or to a mobile section of a machine.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] When the cables are connected to a mobile portion of a working
machine such as a construction machine or a machine used for
transportation, the cables are twisted or tensioned unnaturally as the
mobile portion of the machine moves. The cables and hoses are damaged
when they are twisted and tensioned unnaturally. The multi-joint cable
protection and guide device is used to protect and guide cables and hoses
that would otherwise become damaged if it were not for the supporting
member.

[0006] There is a known related art multi joint cable protection and guide
device, specifically, there is an assembly supporting member in which
conduit tubes for transferring conductors and gases are sealed within a
plurality of channels. The channels include supporting members composed
of continuous material strips which are disposed in parallel. The
continuous material strips have a series of non-interlocking
motion-limiting solid bodies as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4157096
(Claims Paragraphs [[0031] through [0034], FIG. 21); Patent Family of
WO/2004/049509A2, US6858797B2 for example.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, the related art assembly supporting member has some
problems. The related art includes a flexible member composed of an
assembly supporting member which is a stainless steel member or a leaf
spring. The assembly supporting member is unable to hold an accurate
radius of flexion and the radius of flexion becomes too large when the
assembly supporting member is bent. It then becomes difficult to arrange
the assembly supporting member within a predetermined space because the
assembly supporting member may encounter an obstacle located in a nearby
position.

[0008] When the stainless steel member is used as the flexible member, in
particular, the assembly supporting member may become useless because the
flexible member may experience fatigue and then breakdown and rupture
when used for a long period of time.

[0009] The related art assembly supporting member has another problem in
that the flexible member composing the assembly supporting member is a
stainless steel member or the leaf spring which cannot be easily cut. The
supporting member cannot be replaced with a new and different supporting
member to prolong use of the device and thus the supporting member cannot
be used and is, in effect, useless and wasted. Further, because the
torsional rigidity of the flexible member is low, the flexible member
resonates. As a result, operation of the device wherein it alternately
assumes flexed and straight postures may become unstable.

[0010] Furthermore, pieces of the related art assembly supporting member
are made of resin by injection-molding one at a time in connection with
the stainless steel member or the leaf spring. This process requires a
lot of time and labor and makes mass production difficult.

[0011] In addition, because the assembly supporting member develops
corners formed of intermittent flexions where bending stress is prone to
be concentrated by these pieces that flex polygonally, the corners caused
by such intermittent flexions may press or damage the conductor cables or
the conduit tubes transporting gases within the channel. The corners
caused by the intermittent flexions may also thrust up the channel
intermittently in assuming the flexed posture. Then, the corners may
damage the channel itself or may cause noise by generating intermittent
sounds of contact with a floor surface where the assembly supporting
member guides the cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention aims at solving the
aforementioned related art problems by providing a multi-joint cable
protection and guide device that fits well with a flexible belt member
composed of a large number of cable inserting tubular portions. The cable
inserting tubular portions may assume a flexed posture. The member
steadily protects and smoothly guides cables and hoses which flex. The
device requires fewer parts than the related art and may be readily
connected and disconnected corresponding to its usage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, according to a first
aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-joint cable protection
and guide device having a flexible belt member. The flexible belt member
includes a plurality of cable inserting tubular portions unitarily molded
in parallel. The flexible belt member includes a train comprising a
plurality of block bodies flexibly connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fittings. The train of block bodies is inserted
through at least one of the cable inserting tubular portions to control
and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member.
Each block body has a flexion outer peripheral-side curved surface whose
curvature is equal to a curvature of a flexed circular arc of the flexed
posture defined by connection of the block bodies. Sometimes herein the
words "flexion outer peripheral side curved surface" are used; however,
each of the plurality of block bodies forming said train of block bodies
are flexibly and articulately connected to each other in a longitudinal
direction enabling the block bodies to form a flexional circumferential
bend having a flexional inner circumferential side and flexional outer
circumferential side. Each of the block bodies includes a flexional inner
circumferential side residing during bending on said flexional inner
circumferential side of said bend. Further, each of the block bodies
includes a flexional outer circumferential side having a curved surface
residing during bending on the flexional outer circumferential side of
said bend.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention solves the aforementioned problems
by using block bodies having connecting pins at front portions thereof
and connecting pin holes at rear portions thereof. The block bodies are
flexibly connected with each other by concave-convex snap-fitting of
connecting pins into connecting pin holes of the preceding block body.

[0015] A third aspect of the invention solves the aforementioned problems
by using block bodies provided with tapered cut-away fitting portions
which enable easy connection of the block bodies to each other. The
tapered cut-away fitting portions allow access to the connecting pin
holes in the rear portions of the block bodies. This enables
concave-convex snap-fitting of the connecting pins of one block body into
the connecting pin holes at the rear portion of the adjacent block body.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the invention solves the aforementioned problems
by providing block bodies having straight posture holding surfaces for
keeping the block bodies in the straight posture and flexed posture
holding surfaces for keeping the block bodies in the flexed posture.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the invention solves the aforementioned problems
by molding the block body from a synthetic resin material.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the invention solves the aforementioned problems
by using block bodies having a rectangular shape in which the four
corners thereof are chamfered along the longitudinal direction.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the first aspect of the invention, the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device has the flexible belt member. The
flexible belt member includes a plurality of cable inserting tubular
portions which are unitarily molded in parallel. A train comprises a
plurality of block bodies that are flexibly connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fittings. The train of block bodies is inserted
through at least one of the cable inserting tubular portions to control
and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member. It
is unnecessary, due to this structure, to injection-mold pieces one by
one with respect to a stainless steel member or a leaf spring as is done
in the related art.

[0020] Accordingly, it is easy to connect and disconnect the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device corresponding to its usage, as compared
to the related art flexible member composed of a supporting member such
as a stainless steel member which is difficult to cut.

[0021] Because the large numbers of block bodies are flexibly connected by
the concave-convex snap-fittings, the multi-joint cable protection and
guide device can steadily protect and guide the cables that assume flexed
and straight postures.

[0022] Furthermore, it becomes possible to remarkably reduce the number of
required parts as compared to the related art which require various long
and short supporting members to be prepared corresponding to its usage.

[0023] Each of the block bodies have the flexion outer peripheral-side
curved surface whose curvature is equal to the curvature of the flexed
circular arc of the flexed posture (for example, the radius of
curvature). The curvature of the flexed circular arc of the flexed
posture is defined by the connection of the block bodies and the flexed
posture of the flexible belt member. The flexed posture of the flexible
belt member presents a continuous single smooth circular arc. The
multi-joint supporting member fits well with the flexible belt member
composed of the large number of cable inserting tubular portions even in
the flexed posture.

[0024] Bending stress is homogeneously dispersed without concentrating the
stress upon certain parts of the cables inserted through the flexible
belt member so that it becomes possible to remarkably reduce the bending
load applied to the flexible belt member and the cables. This homogeneous
dispersal of the stress reduces damage to the cable and remarkably
reduces intermittent contact sounds generated in contacting with a floor
surface where the cables are guided.

[0025] According to the second aspect of the multi joint cable protection
and guide device of the invention, each of the block bodies includes
connecting pins at the front portions thereof and each of the block
bodies includes connecting pin holes at the rear portions thereof. The
block bodies are flexibly connected with each other by concave-convex
snap-fitting the connecting pins of one block body into the connecting
pin holes of the preceding block body. The connecting pins of the
succeeding block body are pivoted turnably with respect to the connecting
pin holes of the preceding block body in which they reside. This
construction enables the cables to be smoothly guided by shifting the
postures of the block bodies from the straight posture to the flexed
posture or from the flexed posture to the straight posture.

[0026] According to the third aspect of the multi-joint cable protection
and guide device of the invention, each of the block bodies includes a
tapered cut-away fitting portion which extends from the outer peripheral
curved surface to the connecting pin hole at the rear portion thereof.
This construction enables the connecting pin of the next adjacent block
body to slide along the tapered cut-away portion and into the connecting
pin hole at the rear portion of the next adjacent block body. A
concave-convex snap-fit connects the pins and the pin holes. The tapered
cut-away fitting portions of the block body enables assembly of the block
bodies without requiring excessive fitting power in connecting and
disconnecting the block bodies. Accordingly, it becomes easy to connect
and disconnect the supporting members corresponding to its usage.

[0027] According to the fourth aspect of the multi-joint cable protection
and guide device of the invention, each of the block bodies includes
straight posture holding surfaces for keeping the block bodies in the
straight posture and each of the block bodies includes the flexed posture
holding surfaces for keeping the block bodies in the flexed posture. The
straight and flexed posture holding surfaces steadily position and keep
the flexible belt member in the straight posture or the flexed posture.
Accordingly, even if the supporting member is installed in a narrow space
in which obstacles are closely located, the multi-joint cable protection
and guide device can steadily protect and guide the cables that assume
the flexed and straight postures in the narrow installation space.

[0028] According to the fifth aspect of the multi-joint cable protection
and guide device of the invention, the block body is molded from a
synthetic resin material. Thus, it becomes easy to form the
configurations of the connecting pins at the front portion thereof and to
form the configuration of the connecting pin holes at the rear portion
thereof. Thus, it is also easy to form the cut-away fitting portions for
the concave-convex snap-fitting of the connecting pins, the straight
posture holding surfaces for keeping the block bodies straight, and, the
flexed posture holding surfaces for keeping the block body in the flexed
posture. Use of the synthetic resin makes fabrication of the light-weight
block bodies easy and enables connection and disconnection of the block
bodies as desired. Use of the synthetic resin also enables smooth turns
of the connecting pins with respect to the connecting pin holes. Thus,
the need for power is remarkably reduced in shifting between the flexed
posture and the straight posture because the synthetic resin is
self-lubricating.

[0029] According to the sixth aspect of the multi-joint cable protection
and guide device of the invention, the block body is formed into a
rectangular shape in which four corners are chamfered along the
longitudinal direction. Even if the block bodies are displaced relatively
in the vertical and lateral directions within the cable inserting tubular
portion of the flexible belt member, the block bodies will not be jammed
by the four corners thereof within the cable inserting tubular portion.
This construction presents the flexed and straight postures smoothly
within the cable inserting tubular portion of the flexible belt member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 illustrates a mode of use of a multi-joint cable protection
and guide device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block body shown in FIG. 1 seen
from a front obliquely upward direction;

[0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a block body shown in FIG. 1 seen
from a rear obliquely upward direction;

[0033]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the multi-joint cable protection and
guide device shown in

[0035]FIG. 5 illustrates a flexed state of the multi-joint cable
protection and guide device shown in FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 6 is a side view showing a straight posture of the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device; and

[0037]FIG. 7 is a side view showing the flexed posture of the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred Embodiments

[0038] An embodiment of a multi-joint cable protection and guide device of
the invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7.

[0039] Here, FIG. 1 illustrates a mode of use of a multi-joint cable
protection and guide device according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block body shown in FIG. 1 seen from a
front obliquely upward direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a block
body shown in FIG. 1 seen from a rear obliquely upward direction. FIG. 4
is an exploded view of the multi-joint cable protection and guide device
shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates a bending state of the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a side view
showing a straight state of the multi-joint cable protection and guide
device. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a bending state of the multi-joint
cable protection and guide device.

[0040] One embodiment of the multi-joint cable protection and guide device
100 of the invention is used for working machines, electronic devices,
industrial robots, and transportation equipment to protect and guide
flexible cables and hoses (hereinafter referred to as "cables and the
like C"). The cables and hoses may be electrical cables, optical fiber
cables, and fluid supplying hoses used for transporting electricity,
fluid, and air to such moving machines or to a moving section of the
machines.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-joint cable protection and guide
device 100 of the present embodiment is composed of a flexible belt
member, FB, in which six cable inserting tubular portions, b, are molded
unitarily in parallel. Trains comprising a plurality of block bodies 110
are formed by connecting the block bodies flexibly with each other by
means of concave-convex snap fittings. The trains of the block bodies 110
are inserted through two, e.g., right and left, cable inserting tubular
portions, b, among the six cable inserting tubular portions, b, to
control and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt
member.

[0042] Thus, the multi joint cable protection and guide device 100 is
comprised of repeatedly connecting block bodies, unlike the related art
assembly supporting member that requires two injection-molded pieces, a
stainless steel member and a leaf spring.

[0043] While not shown in FIG. 1, the flexible belt member FB described
above is integrally molded by using two sheets. Each sheet includes
fluorine resin layers which are laminated on both front and back surfaces
of a polyurethane resin layer. The sheets are bulged to form the six
cable inserting tubular portions, b, through which the cables and the
like C and the multi-joint supporting members 100 are respectively
inserted.

[0044] Thereby, the polyurethane resin layer is stretchable which allows
the flexible belt member FB to stretch. The self-lubricating property of
the fluorine resin layer allows the cables, C, to slide within the
flexible belt member FB and protects the cables, C, from damage.

[0045] A specific configuration of the block body 110, which is the most
characteristic part of the multi joint cable protection and guide device
100 of the present embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2
through 7.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7, each of the large number of
(plurality of) block bodies 110 described above has a flexion outer
peripheral-side curved surface 111 having a curvature (radius of
curvature) equal to a curvature of a flexed circular arc R in a flexed
posture defined by the connection of the block bodies 110.

[0047] Thereby, the flexed posture of the flexible belt member FB presents
a continuous and single smooth circular arc, so that the multi joint
supporting member fits well with the flexible belt member FB. Even in the
flexed posture and bending state, stress is homogeneously dispersed
without concentrating the stress to the cables C inserted through the
flexible belt member FB.

[0048] It is noted that the center of the radius of the flexion circular
arc is indicated by O in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the block body 110 described above is
provided with a pair of right and left connecting pins 112 at the front
portion thereof and with a pair of right and left connecting pin holes
113 at the rear portion thereof.

[0050] Thereby, the connecting pins 112 of the block body 110 snap-fit
concavely-convexly into the connecting pin holes 113 provided at the rear
portion of a preceding block body 110. Thus, the block bodies 110 are
turnably pivoted and are flexibly connected with each other.

[0051] The block body 110 is also provided with tapered cut-away fitting
portions 114. The cut-away fitting portions are concave in nature and
extend continuously from the connecting pin holes 113 to the outer
peripheral curved surface at the rear portions thereof. The cut-away
fitting portions 114 enable connecting pins 112 described above to be
snap-fitted into the connecting pin holes 113.

[0052] Thereby, the connecting pins 112 of the succeeding block body 110
may be attached to the connecting pin holes 113 of the preceding block
body 110 through the cut-away fitting portions 114 thereof, as shown in
FIG. 4, without requiring excessive fitting force in connecting and
disconnecting the block bodies 110. Thus, connection and disconnection of
the train comprised of a plurality of block bodies 110 as desired is easy
and simple.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, the block body 110 is
also provided with straight posture holding surfaces 115A and 115B at
different locations of the front portion thereof to position the
preceding and succeeding block bodies 110 abutting with each other in the
vertical direction and to keep them in the straight state. The block body
110 is also provided with flexed posture holding surfaces 116A and 116B
at different positions of the rear portion thereof to position the
preceding and succeeding block bodies 110 abutting each other in the
lengthwise direction and to keep them in the flexed state.

[0054] Thereby, the straight posture holding surfaces 115 and flexed
posture holding surfaces 116 position and keep the train of block bodies
in the straight posture or in the flexed posture corresponding to its
motion. Accordingly, even if the cable protection and guide device is
installed in a narrow space where obstacles are closely located, the
multi-joint cable protection and guide device can steadily protect and
guide the cables, C, by assuming the straight posture as shown in FIG. 4
or 6 and the flexed posture, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0055] The block body 110 described above is formed into a rectangular
shape in section in which four corners are chamfered along the
longitudinal direction.

[0056] Thereby, even if the block bodies 110 are displaced relatively in
the vertical and lateral directions within the cable inserting tubular
portions, b, of the flexible belt member, FB, the block bodies 110 will
not be jammed by the four corners thereof within the cable inserting
tubular portions, b. This construction enables operation in the flexed
and straight postures to be smooth within the cable inserting tubular
portions, b, of the flexible belt member FB.

[0059] form the configurations of the flexion outer peripheral-side curved
surface 111 on the flexion outer peripheral side of the block bodies;

[0060] form the connecting pins 113 at the front portions of the block
bodies;

[0061] form the connecting pin holes 113 at the rear portions of the block
bodies;

[0062] form the cut-away fitting portions 114 to enable concave-convex
snap-fitting of the connecting pins 112 into the connecting pin holes;

[0063] form the straight posture holding surfaces 115 for keeping the
block bodies in the straight state; and,

[0064] form the flexed posture holding surfaces 116 for keeping the block
body in the flexed state.

[0065] Using the synthetic resin, it becomes easy to fabricate the
light-weight block bodies 110 that can be connected and disconnected
corresponding to usage.

[0066] Using the self-lubricating synthetic resin (glass-fiber reinforced
polyamide 66 resin) enables smooth turns of the pivoting part of the
connecting pin 112 and the connecting pin hole 113 and thus remarkably
reduces power needed in shifting between the flexed posture and the
straight posture.

[0067] As described above, the multi-joint cable protection and guide
device 100 of the present embodiment thus obtained may be easily
connected and disconnected corresponding to its usage and can steadily
protect and guide the cables that assume the flexed and straight
postures. This is accomplished by inserting trains comprising a plurality
of (for example, a large number) block bodies 110 flexibly connected with
each other through the two cable inserting tubular portions, b, composing
the flexible belt member FB to control and support the straight and
flexed postures of the flexible belt member FB made of the synthetic
resin. Thus, it is unnecessary to inject-mold pieces one by one with
respect to a stainless steel member or a leaf spring as is done in the
related art.

[0068] The block body 110 is provided with the flexion outer
peripheral-side curved surface 111 having the curvature equal to the
curvature R (radius of curvature) of the flexion circular arc in the
flexed posture. The flexed posture of the flexible belt member FB
presents a continuous, single and smooth circular arc. As a result of
this construction it becomes possible to: remarkably reduce the bending
load applied to the flexible belt member FB and the cables C; to reduce
damage to the cables; and, to remarkably reduce the intermittent contact
sounds generated in contacting with a floor surface where the cables are
guided.

[0069] The multi-joint cable protection and guide device 100 of the
present embodiment includes only the large number of block bodies 110
flexibly connected with each other by the snap-fitting. Fewer parts are
thus required compared to the related art supporting members that require
various long and short parts to be prepared corresponding to usage.

[0070] The specific mode of the multi-joint cable protection and guide
device of the present invention may take any mode as long as the cables
protection and guide multi-joint cable protection and guide device has
the following features. The multi-joint cable protection and guide device
has the flexible belt member in which the plurality of cable inserting
tubular portions is unitarily molded in parallel. The train comprising
the plurality of block bodies are flexibly connected with each other by
concave-convex snap-fitting. The train of block bodies is inserted
through at least one of the cable inserting tubular portions to control
and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member.

[0071] Furthermore, each of the block bodies has the flexion outer
peripheral side curved surface whose curvature (radius of curvature) is
equal to the curvature of the flexed circular arc of the flexed posture
defined by the connection of the block bodies.

[0072] The multi-joint supporting member fits well with the flexible belt
member composed of a plurality of cable inserting tubular portions in the
flexed posture. This construction steadily protects and smoothly guides
cables that assume the flexed posture. Fewer parts are required and the
device is easy to connect and disconnect corresponding to its usage.

[0073] The specific configuration of the block body used in the
multi-joint cable protection and guide device of the invention may be any
shape as long as it is provided with the flexion outer peripheral-side
curved surface having the curvature equal to the curvature of the flexion
circular arc of the flexed posture formed by the connection of the large
number of block bodies. For example, the block bodies may be flexibly
connected with each other by concavely-convexly snap-fitting the
connecting pins provided at the front portions of the block body into the
connecting pin holes provided at the rear portions of the preceding block
body or by concavely-convexly snap-fitting the connecting pins provided
at the rear portions of the block body into the connecting pin holes
provided at the front portions of the succeeding block body.
Specifically, the former is preferable.

[0074] The material of the block body composing the multi joint supporting
member of the invention may be any material as long as it can keep the
configurations of:

[0079] posture holding surfaces for keeping the block body in the flexed
posture.

[0080] The preferred material is glass-fiber reinforced polyamide 66
resin, polyacetal resin or ABS resin for example. When the glass-fiber
reinforced polyamide 66 resin is used in particular, rigidity and
abrasion resistance of the multi-joint supporting member are enhanced, so
that the multi-joint supporting member can fully sustain a long period of
repetitive use.

[0081] The flexible belt member through which the multi-joint cable
protection and guide device of the invention is inserted may be one in
which the plurality of cable inserting tubular portions, through which
the cables are respectively inserted, is unitarily molded in parallel.
For example, it may be one unitarily molded piece while arranging tubular
objects in parallel or it may be one in which two sheets are laminated
while bulging out a plurality of tubular spaces in parallel between the
front and back surfaces of the sheets.

[0082] The specific configuration of the cable inserting tubular portion
may be any shape and may be circular in section or rectangular in
section. The number of the cable inserting tubular portions to be
installed may be at least one. The cables must be prevented from
contacting each other.

[0083] The material of the flexible belt member may be any synthetic resin
material if it allows the plurality of cable inserting tubular portions
to be formed. For example, if a pair of sheets having fluororesin layers
are laminated on the front and back surfaces of a stretchable layer are
used, the stretchable layer exhibits stretching properties of the
flexible belt member and the fluororesin layers allow slidability of the
flexible belt member.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the invention
has been set forth above with particularity and detail. Changes may be
made to the disclosure without departing from the spirit and the scope of
the appended claims.